New research has found that the bedroom has officially become overthinking HQ for over half of Gen Z with spirals most likely to happen before sleep. Other hotspots include the shower or bathroom and work. Even though, half of young people are aware of the positive effects of being outdoors, saying it makes them feel refreshed, nearly a third can go a full day without stepping outside in the winter, according to research by EXTRA.
Tech has become the main coping mechanism to quash overthinking, with other solutions being listening to music or a podcast, distracting themselves with TV or going on their phone to block out the noise. In contrast, only 10% currently use grounding techniques.
Four in five Gen Z admit to doomscrolling to block out the noise. While it works in the moment, a third of the time it leaves them feeling like they’ve wasted hours, and a quarter report feeling disconnected from reality.
EXTRA has teamed up with Tasha Bailey (aka the Real Talk Therapist) who is an advocate for the power of grounding. Tasha said: “Grounding is the practice of stepping out of your mind and connecting back with your body. By tuning into our senses, we’re basically hitting a pause button that interrupts the cognitive loop of overthinking. It activates the calmer, parasympathetic side of our nervous system and helps our brain shift from spiralling to actually feeling what’s happening in the moment. Even just a few minutes can calm our amygdala, reduce overthinking and give our brain the reset we’re needing
“Grounding through our five senses is also one of the most accessible forms of self-care we have. And we can do it anywhere, anytime. Feeling the texture or warmth of something soft or in nature, focusing on the taste of gum in our mouth, or counting our chews to regulate our breath — these are all small, intentional sensory nudges pull us out of our thoughts before they take over. The more we practice this, the easier it gets to step out of our spirals and take back control of our mental space.”
Extra has launched the ‘Grounded’ rug to help. Tessa Northcott from EXTRA said: “When the cold, grey days make even stepping outside for a reset feel impossible, the ‘Grounded’ by EXTRA Rug has your back, bringing a slice of nature indoors so you can hit pause, feel grounded, shake off those overthinking spirals, and add a little fun to the darker months… all without ever leaving home.”
‘Grounded’ by EXTRA, is a limited-edition indoor rug designed to bring people a tiny moment of calm.
For those interested in getting their hands on ‘Grounded’ by EXTRA, head to extragum.co.uk/grounded
